"The country of Wales, known as the 'Land of Song,' and it's choral tradition played a large part of the St. David's Society of Lackawanna County's 104th annual banquet," Brian Kaeb reports. "From up and down the valley, more than 160 Welsh people as well as those who were Welsh for the evening attended the St. David's Day, March 1, event at Genetti's banquet facility in Dickson City. The St. David's Day event was a joint celebration of the (St. David's) society and the Carbondale Historical Society."

The event began with First Vice President Mick Hill, a native of Wales, leading the Welsh national anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" and "Star Spangled Banner." The society and guests also joined together for the resounding hymn of "Cwm Rhonda," the very embodiment of the Welsh love of homeland and of culture.

In keeping with the Carbondale St. David's Day tradition, the St. David's Male Chorus, named for the patron saint of Wales, directed by Fran Justin and accompanist Gene Hopkins, provided entertainment for the evening with the singing of favorite Welsh hymns and songs from Broadway musicals. The chorus serenaded Dr. S. Robert Powell with his favorite song, "We'll Keep a Welcome in the Hillside" (1940) by composer Mai Jones (1899-1960).

Also included in the program for the evening were the Gospelaires from Clarks Green United Methodist Church, under the direction and accompaniment of Mary Montoro. The group played many familiar Gospel songs to round out the evening of musical enjoyment.

The evening concluded with a Gymanfa Ganu Welsh hymn sing, a tradition that can be traced back to the 12th century in Wales, directed by Dr. James T. Arscott, society president, and accompanied by John Decker.

Invocation and benediction were offered by the Rev. Arthur W. Davis of Asbury United Methodist Church, who also served as the evening's toastmaster. "As always, Rev. Davis came with a large offering of funny stories and humor, which were a delight to the attendees," Brian noted.

Dr. Arscott presented Dr. Powell, president of the Carbondale Historical Society, with the society's President's Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution, dedication and preservation of Welsh heritage in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Carbondale Mayor Justin Taylor recognized "the enormous wealth of knowledge and dedication that Dr. Powell has for the preservation of the history of the city and the Welsh immigration to Northeast Pennsylvania in the early 1830s to help establish the railroads and anthracite mining and proclaimed March 1, 2014, as Dr. S. Robert Powell Day in Carbondale," Brian reports.

A proclamation from Harrisburg to the society in recognition of the special day that has been celebrated by Welshmen in America since 1729 was read by state Sen. John Blake.

High notes

Other officers of the St. David's Society include Gregory Evans, second vice president; Linda Griffiths, secretary; and Susan Davis, treasurer. Officers and representatives of other Lackawanna County ethnic associations in attendance at the banquet included Friendly Sons of St. Patrick President Patrick Cummings and wife, Margy; Friends of Poland of Lackawanna County President Ed Karpovich; Joseph Albert, B'nai B'rith; Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County President Richard Sabato and wife, Sandra; and Mark and Michele McDade, UNICO Dunmore. Also joining in were Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright and wife, Kim; Dr. Karen Arscott and Dorothy Hill.

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